logo

Meet The Long-Eared Jerboa - A Tiny Rodent Flaunting The Largest Ears On Earth

Despite its cartoon-like appearance, the long-eared jerboa is very much real.

Damjan
  • Published in Animals
Meet The Long-Eared Jerboa - A Tiny Rodent Flaunting The Largest Ears On Earth

When it comes to unique and adorable creatures, Mother Nature never fails to surprise us. One such marvel is the long-eared jerboa – a tiny creature that seems like a blend of a mouse, a rabbit, and a miniature kangaroo.

Despite its cartoon-like appearance, the long-eared jerboa is very much real, and its discovery has captured the hearts of many. Native to the harsh landscapes of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China and southern Mongolia, the long-eared jerboa boasts the largest ears in proportion to its body size.

These ears, nearly two-thirds of its body length, serve a crucial purpose in regulating its body temperature in the scorching desert environment. Additionally, it sports a tail that can be twice the length of its tiny body.

One of the most fascinating features of the long-eared jerboa is its remarkable ability to survive in its challenging habitat. With its long hind legs, it can execute impressive high jumps, aiding in hunting insects, its primary source of food.

These nocturnal creatures spend their days sheltered underground in tunnels they dig themselves, emerging only under the cover of night to forage for sustenance. The long-eared jerboa remained elusive to scientists until 2007 when it was captured on camera for the first time during an expedition led by the Zoological Society of London.

Dr. Jonathan Baillie, the lead scientist of the expedition, vividly remembers the moment of discovery, stating, "As I peered into the trap, my eyes were met with one of the most unusual creatures I had ever seen. I could not believe that such a strange and delicate-looking animal could thrive in such a harsh environment."

This remarkable discovery not only sheds light on the adaptability of life in extreme conditions but also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect unique species like the long-eared jerboa. With its endearing appearance and fascinating behavior, this tiny creature is a reminder of the wondrous diversity found within our natural world.

A small miracle of the great Gobi desert.

One of the most extraordinary creatures.

This photograph was taken on a @zslofficial EDGE expedition to Mongolia in 2007.

The long-eared jerboa, a small rodent belonging to the Dipodidae family, is notable for its distinctive appearance. With elongated hind limbs, ears that can exceed two-thirds of its body length, and a tufted tail reaching double its body size, it's uniquely adapted to survive in the harsh desert environments of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China and southern Mongolia.

This nocturnal creature emerges from its burrows at night to forage for insects, its primary source of food, while retreating underground during the day to escape the desert heat and avoid predators. Despite their elusive nature, long-eared jerboas face threats from habitat loss and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial to preserving their unique ecosystem.

Adorable!

The story of the long-eared jerboa shows us how amazing nature is. It's like a little hero, showing us how life can survive even in tough places. When we see this cute creature, it makes us feel amazed and happy, and it reminds us that there's so much more to explore in the world.

The long-eared jerboa's story teaches us that we need to protect its home and make sure it can keep living happily. It's a reminder for all of us to appreciate nature and work together to keep it safe.

Damjan